$1,499,000

4beds

3.5baths

3,267sqft

19,994sf lot

Incredible, mid-century modern home nestled in the quiet Atlanta neighborhood of Sherwood Forest. This special property was beautifully restored to its former glory by the current (and second) owner. Originally custom built by the Downing family with an enclosed pool in mind, the plans went through several stages before this floor plan was finalized. With very few square walls, the house centers around the courtyard pool that has an opaque roof supported by aluminum beams to prevent rusting. It was orginally built with a redwood roof frame that ultimately failed. There are photos of this in a 1967 AJC article which you can find in the Documents section of this website.

Another unique architectural feature is the "stairless" interior, although the bedrooms are a half-story above the entry level. Another AJC article in 1952, just after the home's completion, describes the unique ramp feature and the varying reasons that each of the 6 familiy members enjoyed it.

Some of the remaining finishes that have transcended time with grace are:

The hall bath, once a Jack and Jill between 2 bedrooms, was divided into 2 ensuite baths for each of the 2 guest suites.

A wall of closets was removed from the hall and a window to the pool was installed, brightening the area and creating a remarkable vista from the bedroom wing. New custom cabinets below the window were installed.

One small bedroom was captured to create a large dressing room off the fully modernized master bath. The bathroom has a Duravit soaking tub, Philippe Stark fixtures, heated floors and a separate water closet.

The laundry/mud room was divided into what is still a generous laundry room and a powder room for the pool area.

Part of the guest room/paneled office was captured for another powder room off the ramped hallway (which can be used when wet feet aren't an issue :-) )

Dual HVAC systems were installed (replacing the radiant heat in the ceilings-well some ideas didn't work so well!). One system services the public areas and the other, the bedroom wing.

A fenced terrace may be accessed by two bedrooms, one of which is the master, for outdoor privacy in our lovely Atlanta weather.

Exterior landscaping, lighting, drapes, cabinetry and tile finishes are all on-trend today yet honor the history of mid-century modern design and the Downing's vision.

And finally....the neighborhood!

Sherwood Forest is bordered by the Ansley Park neighborhood on the south and east, and on the northwest by the Downtown Connector across which is the Brookwood Hills neighborhood. It was established in 1949, therefore, the youngster of the Intown neighborhoods.

It is filled with sprawling ranch homes on large lots, some of which overlook Ansley Golf course. This mid-century development was built on the estate of the Collier family, sometimes called "Collier Woods." Among the earliest settlers in the area, Meredith Collier and his family settled on approximately 2,000 acres of land alongside an old Creek Indian trail (Peachtree Street) which later became part of Sherwood Forest. By 1906 Meredith Collier's sons began selling parcels of their land trust. The first tract sold became Ansley Park and Ansley Golf Club. The last tract sold was Collier Woods, purchased by the developer Haas & Dodd. Collier Woods was promoted as Sherwood Forest, Atlanta's most posh post-World War II subdivision. It contains many high style Ranch houses. It is laid out in the automobile oriented fashion popular in the period.